Season Preview: The Championship

Reading Reading

The Odds – (Via-William Hill)

League Winners: 16/1

Promotion: 11/2

Relegation: 20/1

The Background

Final day heartbreak for Reading saw them just miss out narrowly on a play-off spot as Brighton’s Ulloa snatched the final place for his club. A season in which Reading attempted to come back to the top flight after being relegated was unsuccessful but in one of the most difficult leagues in the world, a 7th place finish is not to be sniffed at.

The Transfers

Nobody in yet for the Royals amidst the takeover but several players out. Striker Adam Le Fondre finished top scorer for the Royals with 15 goals to his name but he has now left for Cardiff City for a reported fee of roughly £1 million. Defender Daniel Carrico left for Sevilla for £1.5 million. Le Fondre will be sorely missed by Reading fans after enjoying a successful campaign up front for them, bagging 15 goals across the course of the season. The money is enough however to reinvest in some new strikers.

The Star Man

Alex McCarthy is a popular goalkeeper and the 24 year old has been in high demand in recent years. The shot-stopper’s fantastic agility and reactions are what help him be one of the best young goalkeepers in England and most certainly the Championship. Rumoured with moves away from the Madejski several seasons ago, the goalkeeper has stayed loyal to the Royals and now is ready for another push back up to the Premier League with his side. His shot-stopping abilities could be the difference between the Championship and the Premier League.

SkySports

The Gaffer

Nigel Adkins is a highly respected manager who over recent years has been highly successful. With his managerial positions ranging from Southampton to Scunthorpe (Clearly not a Tinie Tempah fan) and ranging from Physio of the Iron to his Premier Legaue post with the Saints, he has been there and seen it all. His tactics are well thought out and his managerial approach is a highly astute one. Adkins’ knowledge and brain could show that he’s the one to lead them back up to the top.

The Fan – Kieran Ruffle

Thoughts on last season?

Last season was disappointing but under the circumstances with no owner I couldn’t expect much more.

Hopes for this season?

With no owner and a small squad and lots of youngsters getting a chance a high mid table finish would probably be a fair target.

Fears for this season?

The owner issue is not resolved quickly and that takes an effect on the team and maybe we could be in for a low table finish and loose key players in January.

Player to look out for?

I believe this is a make of break season for a lot of players but especially Hal Robson-Kanu, Nick Blackman and Danny Guthrie.

Rate your manager out of 10.

With no owner and no insurance I believe Adkins did brilliant under the circumstances, I’m going to say 7 because his style and tactics when chasing a game could be easily improved.

Away day you are most looking forward to?

Brentford will be the stand out one this season for me as it will be a new stadium and a good atmosphere, I also look forward to London games as well for this season.

Where do you reckon will you finish?

I reckon we will finish 10th in the 2014/15 season.

Nigel Adkins

 The Verdict? 6th.

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